Polish intelligence arrests 17-year-old over alleged school and mosque attack plot

Polish intelligence services have arrested a 17-year-old in connection with an alleged plot to attack a school and a mosque, according to anti-terror prosecutors. The suspect, identified only as Pawel G, was charged with plotting a terrorist attack, promoting Nazi and fascist ideology, inciting racial hatred and attempting to buy weapons. Authorities said the case involves a suspected far-right extremist threat with potential public-safety implications.

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Prosecutors said a search of the teenager's computer and phone uncovered correspondence about planning mass attacks, including an assault on a school and a mosque. The material also referred to acquiring weapons, ammunition and military equipment, as well as the use of grenades and Molotov cocktails. Investigators said explosives, knives, a bayonet and items bearing Nazi and fascist symbols were seized at his home.

The ABW domestic security agency said two other minors had recently been detained in connection with the case. It added that all three were in contact with far-right activists on Telegram and Discord, including a minor of German nationality who was reported to Berlin's intelligence services. The suspect faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, and he has denied the charges.

The case comes amid continuing concern in Europe about extremist networks using online platforms to spread ideology, recruit sympathisers and discuss violence. The alleged targeting of both a school and a mosque gives the case added sensitivity, because it combines threats to children, worshippers and wider community security. It also highlights the role of minors in extremist investigations, an issue that has drawn increasing attention from security agencies.

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Poland's domestic security services and anti-terror prosecutors have not said whether the alleged plot had reached an advanced operational stage or how close the suspect may have been to carrying it out. The seizure of weapons and extremist material suggests investigators viewed the threat as credible enough to act before any attack. The involvement of two other minors indicates the inquiry may still be widening.

It remains unclear whether further arrests will follow or whether investigators believe the group had selected a specific date or location. The next developments are likely to centre on the legal case against Pawel G, the role of the other detained minors and any international links identified through the online contacts. Authorities have not released additional details about the intended targets beyond the school and mosque named in the charges.

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